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Offered languages
- English
As an architect and design writer, I have always been captivated by Japanese design—the way imperfection is refined into perfection, how simplicity and subtlety carry profound meaning, and how every detail is intentional.
This private tour is an invitation to experience Japanese design through the eyes of an aesthetics seeker—a seeker of beauty and meaning.
Far from the fleeting spectacle of social media, this tour is designed for depth and reflection. I will guide you beyond surface-level facts, revealing the essence of Japanese aesthetics and design thinking that often goes unnoticed. Through well-known sights, we will explore the soul of the country, layer by layer, engaging in discussion and interpretation along the way.
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If design or philosophy do not intrigue you, this tour is not for you.
The itinerary can be customized.
Guarantee: Your satisfaction is assured. If the tour does not meet your expectations, a full refund is available after the experience.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The default meeting point is your hotel lobby, and we will contact you to confirm. As the tour will be conducted using public transportation, if you prefer a different meeting spot that is convenient for you, I can easily accommodate that.
Your guide may first request your WhatsApp number (via Viator) and will contact you closer to your booking and again before the tour. If they cannot locate you at the hotel lobby or preferred meeting point, they will message you to coordinate.
By ending the tour at Gion-Shijo Station, you can easily enjoy downtown Kyoto right after the tour or take a convenient route back to your hotel.
Itinerary
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1
Here, we’ll zigzag along a narrow traditional street, slipping through the hidden pockets between historic buildings. We’ll dive into the world of Japanese townhouses, exploring machiyas and ryokans, and uncover the fascinating, often overlooked details that make Kyoto’s architecture so uniquely captivating.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2
We will meander through the historic geisha district, allowing the quiet poetry of narrow streets and hidden details to reveal themselves. Our path leads toward one of Kyoto’s most revered Zen temples—a place where tradition, artistry, and spirituality converge—not as distant ideals, but as living forces that quietly shape the way we perceive beauty, space, and our own capacity for attention.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3
Why is Seirain Garden in Kenninji so aesthetically arresting? Here, we’ll explore the Japanese principles of shizen (naturalness) and fukinsei (asymmetry), uncovering how these subtle design choices create a quietly captivating beauty.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
4
We’ll head to Nanzenji’s Tanjun Garden and explore the charm of the indirect and the rugged, discovering how these qualities capture the essence of Japanese design and the arts.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
5
This is the spot where Kyoto’s two rivers converge. What does that have to do with Japanese design?
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Public transportation options are available nearby
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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